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Pinole · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in Pinole

Pinole's own rules on grading and erosion control, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Pinole Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Pinole's code says

Pinole code What Pinole's code adds
Erosion control plan
  • A final erosion and sediment control plan is required unless the site meets every listed small-project condition.
    Applies: Conditions include under ¼ acre, under 150 cubic yards, average slope under 15%; a registered civil engineer prepares it; interim plan before each rainy season.
    § 15.36.190 · code text
    A final erosion and sediment control plan, prepared by a registered civil engineer, shall be submitted unless all of the following conditions are met:
Grading without a permit
  • Digs and fills up to 50 cubic yards and 4 feet deep or high.
    Applies: All conditions must be met. Face slope 2 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical or less. Fills: ground sloping 10% or less, drainage unchanged.
    § 15.36.070 · code text
    The slope of the cut face is two feet horizontal to one foot vertical or less.
  • Excavation for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, pool or other structure under a valid building permit.
    Applies: Not an excavation left with an unsupported height over 5 feet.
    § 15.36.070 · code text
    Excavation for cemetery graves.
Rainy-season limits
  • Rainy-season work only with public services director approval and working erosion and sediment controls.
    Applies: Interim plan measures must be working before October 1.
    § 15.36.190 · code text
    Rainy season work may be authorized by the public services director if erosion and sediment control measures are installed and functioning.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Pinole?

Pinole's code: Digs and fills up to 50 cubic yards and 4 feet deep or high. (All conditions must be met. Face slope 2 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical or less. Fills: ground sloping 10% or less, drainage unchanged.) (§ 15.36.070); A final erosion and sediment control plan is required unless the site meets every listed small-project condition. (Conditions include under ¼ acre, under 150 cubic yards, average slope under 15%; a registered civil engineer prepares it; interim plan before each rainy season.) (§ 15.36.190).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Pinole's grading and erosion control rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Pinole Municipal Code — full text